Hormones and Workout/Diet

Gym_Kitty · 11-14-2008, 07:15 PM

About one week before my period starts, I get crazy cravings for sugar and my workouts are horrible. I can't push through the limit because I feel too much fatigues and sluggish. Even performing cardio, my heartrate won't go up much and my body looks horrible even after lifting. My body looks seriously flabby and 'FAT'!

Anyone having same problem? Any tip/advice would be really appreciated!!

FitMeg08 · 11-14-2008, 08:12 PM

I think a lot of us have this problem. My biggest is the sugar cravings- I have started to buy the 60 cal pudding cups and if my craving gets bad- then I have one. That way I don't through my diet completely out. As far as the bloating- I haven't figured that out yet. Lol

Komadori · 11-14-2008, 09:24 PM

I don't get cravings for sugar so much as I do for chocolate. Thankfully, the protein shakes help. Also, I have protein chocolates now, which are as delightful as nutella and much better for me. Muhahah.

Megin · 11-14-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komadori

I don't get cravings for sugar so much as I do for chocolate. Thankfully, the protein shakes help. Also, I have protein chocolates now, which are as delightful as nutella and much better for me. Muhahah.

Agree! Chocolate Protein Powder can make for some wicked treats!

Gym_Kitty · 11-15-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komadori

I don't get cravings for sugar so much as I do for chocolate. Thankfully, the protein shakes help. Also, I have protein chocolates now, which are as delightful as nutella and much better for me. Muhahah.

What is protein chocolate???? Did you make it?

Tishalicious · 11-16-2008, 08:04 PM

If I wasn't allergic to it - I'd go for some BSN Dessert... it just sounds gooooood.

BeccaBaby · 11-17-2008, 06:33 PM

When I get a sweet tooth I eat a sugar-free, carb free, only 10 calorie jello cup. Then for added sweetness i squirt a bit of sugar-free low cal whip cream on it and top it off w cinnammon. (which is a natural diuretic) I have learned that sugar is not my friend!

IzzyJ · 11-17-2008, 08:18 PM

I don't get cravings as such but I get nasty and really irritable.

I retain water like a camel as well and I hear you when you say you feel fat, I do too.

BUT i've found a few solutions that work for me!
I up my daily dose of magnesium and calcium (Studies show that taking 1,200mg of calcium a day may reduce water retention, cramps and other physical symptoms of PMS)

I also drink LOTS of green tea and ginger and I reduce my sodium intake.

jam_marie · 12-07-2008, 03:44 PM

I'm the exact same! I get really bad cravings for about the week before, and then for the following week I don't feel like eating anything - and even eating one meal a day feels like I'm pushing myself. All I want to do is sleep. I still need to ask the Dr. what she can do to help if there is anything.

I'll let you know if she comes up with anything useful.

Deborah_Lyn · 12-07-2008, 06:36 PM

The jello gives me acid reflux, the 60 pudding doesn't which is odd because it's sugar free too. Plus, I like the texture of pudding better. It's 50 more calories, but more satisfying.

lisast42 · 12-08-2008, 03:06 AM

I buy sugar free chocolate when the cravings get bad.

MotivatingManda · 12-08-2008, 12:42 PM

I get really bad cravings too... I started drinking a chocolate protien shake like 3 to 4 hours before bed and it curbs it. Because for some WEIRD reason, I seem to think right before bed is a great time to get these cravings. lol

summer101 · 12-09-2008, 02:48 PM

alas, there is no cure, to date, for being female. LOL! What you describe is perfectly normal, and will protect you from a whole host of problems that men have to be much more mindful of. (heart disease to name a biggie) So do not fret. You have the awesome ability to not only pump iron but have a baby someday. I take evening primrose oil every single day, along w/ a dose of vitamin e. This balances hormonal fluctuations and takes the edge off of that "I really wanna kill something... or maybe eat an entire chocolate mousse..." feeling that has plagued us gals since forever. (Also great for preventing that gaunt look too much lifting can give to skin.) Green tea helps, but some gals actually have a harder time expelling caffeine from the system as caffeine accumulates in the liver of females more than males. So if you are extra cranky, try reducing the caffeine. Yes yes yes to cal/mag! Great stuff!
I say, give yourself a break once a month and curl up w/a brick of chocolate and a good magazine. It's only a few days!

girl8 · 03-19-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jam_marie

I'm the exact same! I get really bad cravings for about the week before, and then for the following week I don't feel like eating anything - and even eating one meal a day feels like I'm pushing myself. All I want to do is sleep. I still need to ask the Dr. what she can do to help if there is anything.

I'll let you know if she comes up with anything useful.

same here but the week before is when I just want to sleep all week long and then I push myself to get up and go do what I have to do because there are deadlines and things need to get done

my fav thing when I get a craving is savor a scoopfull of peanut butter I LOVE IT

dvsness · 03-19-2009, 09:48 AM

Blast some good music to get you through your training when you just don't feel it.

Make Crystal Light slush/ice.

BelleU · 03-19-2009, 10:03 AM

I hear ya girl!!! However, I am more of a bottomless pit! I just keep wanting to eat! But I have to control it

See my issue is that I retain water like a well! I seriously gain an average of 6 pounds the week before my period! Its bizarre, for one week before I am huge! My workout is the same, eating is the same, but my pants fit a little tighter and the scale hates me! Then from one day to another, I am right back to where I started. WEIRD! I hate it!

How do you ladies that compete deal with this??

dvsness · 03-19-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BelleU

I hear ya girl!!! However, I am more of a bottomless pit! I just keep wanting to eat! But I have to control it

See my issue is that I retain water like a well! I seriously gain an average of 6 pounds the week before my period! Its bizarre, for one week before I am huge! My workout is the same, eating is the same, but my pants fit a little tighter and the scale hates me! Then from one day to another, I am right back to where I started. WEIRD! I hate it!

How do you ladies that compete deal with this??

It's just water. Besides, close to my shows I don't menstruate (low bodyfat %) so it's not an issue.

BelleU · 03-19-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvsness

It's just water. Besides, close to my shows I don't menstruate (low bodyfat %) so it's not an issue.

wow... Really? I didnt know that. Is this the case for most gals?
I know that you need a certain % of body fat to menstruate, but I am assuming not all gals go that low. Right?

dvsness · 03-19-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BelleU

wow... Really? I didnt know that. Is this the case for most gals?
I know that you need a certain % of body fat to menstruate, but I am assuming not all gals go that low. Right?

It is more common than not. Almost everyone I know loses it when at single digits.

DivaInPink · 03-19-2009, 04:10 PM

I'll have to try the calcium, green tea and ginger. I have green tea but I will have to drink it more during PMS.

My two main challenges are being crazy irritable and wanting to eat LOTS of food. I don't get the sugar craving but I just want a lot of heavy FOOD. Heavy food is usually not healthy food either. I just want to eat and sleep.

Thuirwyne · 03-20-2009, 01:03 AM

I make, and eat, a half batch of dark chocolate chip cookies once a month, and this is why...at work yesterday, both the owner's wife and and another female friend/peer, were showing off their abs. I could only show my left, bloated oblique and dashed away...I typically stay annoyed by almost everyone and everything, but this is when it really gets hard to be nice...

It's only temporary! Try to get extra rest and make that a week were you have a really good cheat meal.

-Jules- · 03-20-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BelleU

I hear ya girl!!! However, I am more of a bottomless pit! I just keep wanting to eat! But I have to control it

See my issue is that I retain water like a well! I seriously gain an average of 6 pounds the week before my period! Its bizarre, for one week before I am huge! My workout is the same, eating is the same, but my pants fit a little tighter and the scale hates me! Then from one day to another, I am right back to where I started. WEIRD! I hate it!

I know what you mean, the week before I'm lucky if I can fit into most of my jeans and I'm an emotional wreck. I'm so umcomfortable my workouts almost always suffer.